The Weaver I mentioned is not exactly a budget scope. Its regular msrp is close to $600. I looked all over, and unless one goes with a 1x red dot scope (so losing any magnification) I have not found a better solution. I will not touch the Barska and other cheap junk. On the cheap illuminated scopes, the illumination lights up the whole inside of the scope tube so I doubt I would be able to see the target with one of those at night. I think it is a good scope. The magnification ring is a little heavy to rotate, which seems standard for weaver scopes, I think they load their O ring seals a bit heavier than they should. The alternative is a Trijicon and that is big $, same for a Leupold.